Kennedy backs Hoops to turn it around

Former Celtic defender John Kennedy is confident the Hoops have enough strength of character to pull through their inconsistent start to the season.

Celtic could go out of Europe on Wednesdat night even if they beat Hapoel Tel Aviv in their penultimate group game in the Europa League. The Hoops are already out of the Co-operative Insurance Cup following defeat by Hearts amid a run of two wins in 10 matches.

"We've got many characters, including Mick (Stephen McManus), in the dressing room who will soldier on," said Kennedy.

"That's what you need in a dressing room, people who, through hard times when results aren't going your way, are going to pick people's spirits up and battle on.

"Hopefully after the result on Saturday we can really kick on from here. I've no doubt that everyone is up to the challenge."

Mowbray is yet to see his side win a European game at Parkhead following three defeats and a draw.

The Israeli visitors sit seven points ahead of Celtic, who have just two points, ahead of Wednesday's game.

But, with the likes of AC Milan, Barcelona, Juventus and Manchester United having lost at Celtic Park this decade, Kennedy feels it is only a matter of time before that form picks up.

"This season has just been maybe a bit of bad luck and the team has not been playing as well as they could," the 26-year-old said.

"But you have much the same players that were there the last year or two so it's no different. I think they can certainly recapture the form and go on a good run of results and hopefully in Europe we can get back to winning ways."